Taco bar calculator
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Complete the guest split, choose compatible proteins, and calculate to get tortillas, food weights, packages, and a shopping list.
How the taco bar calculation works
The calculator multiplies each age group by its tacos-per-guest setting, applies the selected food buffer, and rounds each age subtotal upward. Corn and flour tortillas split evenly when you choose a mixed service, then each type rounds to a complete package.
Protein is measured as cooked, ready-to-serve food. Street tortillas use 1.25 ounces per taco, standard tortillas use 1.5 ounces, and large tortillas use 2 ounces. The dietary split allocates that total without counting any guest twice.
The portion and round-up method follows the same planning logic described by the USDA Food Buying Guide. The table below is an owned hosting allowance designed for shopping, not a nutrition serving recommendation.
Per-person topping and side allowances
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| Item | Category | Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded cheese | Topping | 1 oz |
| Shredded lettuce | Topping | 1.3 oz |
| Salsa or pico de gallo | Topping | 2.5 fl oz |
| Sour cream | Topping | 1 oz |
| Guacamole | Topping | 1.5 oz |
| Diced onion | Topping | 0.5 oz |
| Cilantro | Topping | 0.3 oz |
| Jalapeños | Topping | 0.4 oz |
| Rice | Side | 4 fl oz |
| Beans | Side | 4 fl oz |
| Tortilla chips | Side | 1.5 oz |
| Queso | Side | 2 fl oz |